Fresh Winter Wreath Workshop with Mint Floral
Nothing gets you quite in the holiday spirit like crisper days and Christmas crafts. I recently kicked my holiday mojo into overdrive with Mint Floral’s Fresh Winter Wreath Workshop – instructed by the uber-talented and utterly adorable Laurel Munro, owner and lead florist at Mint Floral Co. I have been a fan of Mint Floral Co. for years after seeing their arrangements at weddings and shopping at the charming downtown Whitby store. More than a flower shop, Laurel has an eye for the most alluring potted plants, candles and décor – making it my first stop when sourcing greenery and décor items, for myself, clients or gift-giving.
I had heard about their annual Fresh Winter Wreath Workshops and knew they were highly popular and sold out quickly, so I made sure to book early and secure my good friend Tina to come along. As Mint Floral was in the process of moving shop from downtown to Port Whitby, our workshop was hosted at Words on Wood, another equally charming Whitby store that sells rustic farmhouse decor and hosts tons of their own creative classes.
The workshop ran from 11am to 1pm and went by extremely fast. The hands-on class walked us through step-by-step how to create our very own signature wreath. When we arrived everything was laid out for us; metal wreath cages, cedar, carolina sapphire, eucalyptus pods, holly and blue privet berry. The greenery and holly were exactly what I was expecting, but I was completely intrigued by the eucalyptus pods, I had never seen anything like them before. I loved their shape and colour and that they added so much texture and interest to our completed wreaths.
It took me a little to get into the swing of layering and securing the fresh greenery. I had to ask Laurel a few times if I was doing it correctly…and no surprise, I wasn’t…but Laurels quick hands and patient instruction got me back on track.
Here I am proudly standing with the finished wreath - minus the decorating and professional “jushing” from Laurel. I’m telling you its all the about the “jush” – my wreath went from flat and awkward to plump and gorgeous after Laurel man-handled my luscious greens. And I have to say – these wreaths are huge! It literally took up half my body frame…not hard considering I’m a mere 5’2”, but without question these babies are large.
Layering the greens took some concentration and a little muscle but the decorating part was just creative fun! Your inner artist really comes out as you strategically weave the holly, berries and eucalyptus pods into the winter greens and construct your holiday masterpiece. Here is Tina and I taking the “classic head in the wreath shot’. Tina looks poised and pretty, while I look like an electrocuted dork….I think this is my face excited … wow!
Needless to say, we both thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. It was fun, engergizing and I am completely confident that I could do this again next year on my own. Here’s my completed Winter Wreath creation, which totally pops on my freshly painted black front door (minus the white frame, I haven’t finished that part yet).
Mint Floral’s Fresh Winter Wreath Workshops continue to run throughout December, so if you are in a festive and crafty mood I would highly recommend trying one out. They also host different workshops throughout the year and I’m looking forward to taking part in their spring line-up – in particular the Fresh Floral Mason Jars and the Succulent Gardens. Laurel also runs private parties both in her shop and at your home – I know Tina is thinking about hosting one at her place, please do girl…I’m there!
